Mississippi Mills Advocates for Rural Priorities at 2025 AMO Conference

The Municipality of Mississippi Mills brought forward a focused and community-driven advocacy agenda at this year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, held August 17-20 in Ottawa.

Mayor Christa Lowry, Deputy Mayor Rickey Minnille, Ramsay Ward Councillor Bev Holmes, Almonte Ward Councillor Mary Lou Souter and Almonte Ward Councillor Jane Torrance, were joined at the conference by CAO Ken Kelly and Clerk/Deputy CAO Jeanne Harfield. The annual conference brings municipal and provincial officials together for sessions, workshops and meetings. 

Over the course of three days, Council met with provincial Ministers, Parliamentary Assistants and key agencies to champion the unique needs and priorities of Mississippi Mills. 

“Mississippi Mills is committed to ensuring our voice is heard at the provincial level,” said Mayor Christa Lowry. “At AMO, we engaged in meaningful conversations about how communities like ours in rural Ontario can thrive through strategic investment, smart growth and strong partnerships.”

Key topics discussed:

• Meeting with Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, Billy Pang, on a collaborative approach to meet provincial licensing requirements and timelines for the Municipality’s childcare expansion project, and the need for additional childcare spaces to meet demand.
• Opportunities and funding to help attract agri-tech companies and skilled jobs to Mississippi Mills during a delegation with Parliamentary Assistants to the Minister of Rural Affairs, Steve Pinsonneault and Robert Bailey.
• Meeting with Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini, seeking support and sponsorship for the Municipality to acquire 2 Industrial Drive in Almonte for community needs.
• Strategic funding partnerships to support sustainable growth in Mississippi Mills with Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack. 

Mississippi Mills was also part of a joint delegation including the Township of Bonnechere Valley and the Town of Renfrew with Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, Sam Ooosterhoff, on the importance of small hydro generation facilities.

Council members also took in a variety of sessions – from housing and infrastructure to climate resilience and municipal governance – offering valuable insights and fresh ideas.

Through strong relationships and clear priorities, the Municipality continues to position itself as a proactive partner in shaping a thriving future for residents.  

“I thank the Ministers and Parliamentary Assistants for their time, encouragement and guidance. We look forward to working together to find solutions and unlock more opportunities for rural communities like ours,” said Mayor Lowry. 

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For more information:

Ashley Kulp
Communications Coordinator
613-256-2064
akulp@mississippimills.ca